A master’s thesis defense was held at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, for the thesis titled “Preparation of Resistant Starch by Enzymatic Modification of Starch Extracted from Certain Grains” by student Zina Hussein Abdul Mahdi from the Department of Food Sciences.
The study aimed to extract starch from the two most consumed local crops (wheat variety Buhuth 22 and rice variety Amber) in order to increase their resistant starch content. It also aimed to study their functional and manufacturing properties and the potential for their use in the production of biscuits and cakes beneficial for diabetics and individuals seeking to lose weight.
The researcher recommended exploring local sources for the enzyme pullulanase as an alternative to the imported commercial enzyme, studying the factors affecting the yield of resistant starch such as the number of cooling and heating cycles, treatment periods, and starch sources. Additionally, attention should be given to the enzymatic source used for the enzymatic modification process under optimal conditions of temperature and pH levels.
Congratulations to the student on her success and scientific efforts.
